Spring commencement takes place May 18

West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s spring 2013 Commencement will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 18 in the College Activities Center. Commencement speaker will be Gregory K. Smith, retired president and CEO of Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The class includes 361 graduates who will receive approximately 438 degrees and certificates. Participating in the ceremony will be 166 members of the graduating class, the highest number to ever participate. WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Marie Foster Gnage will preside over the ceremony. A reception for all of the graduates and their families will follow.

Gregory K. Smith is currently chairman of the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Board of Directors. He also served on WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Advisors and Board of Governors for a total of 10 years.

He began his tenure at Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield in 1984 as director of public relations. Prior to being named president and CEO in 1995, Smith served in various other positions, including vice president of external operations and executive vice president.

Smith is a graduate of West Virginia University and the Harvard Business School Executive Education program. He was a member of the West Virginia Legislature from 1980 to 1986 where he served as assistant majority leader and democratic caucus chairman from 1985 to 1986. He has also served on many boards throughout the community and state, including West Virginia Special Olympics, Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business, West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, the West Virginia Chamber, and Artsbridge.